Cricket Update – England Confirm 2013 Ashes Win

WRITTEN BY SEAN COOK

Bowler Stuart Broad completed a very successful day’s work for the English side as they made sure that they had not only retained but won the 2013 Ashes series against Australia.

Australia had begun the day very strongly. James Anderson’s bowling failed to really threaten the Australian batsman as David Warner and Chris Rodgers endured a powerful partnership hitting some big runs to give the team from down under the chance to catch up with the English. The Aussies had 299 to win and despite beginning well, they fell victim to Stuart Broad’s bowling prowess.

Chris Rodgers eventually fell for just 49 runs, one short of a obviously deserved half century. Trott caught the ball from Graeme Swann’s famous spin bowl providing too much for the visitor. David Warner whom was providing quite the threat to England’s chances of winning the fourth test finally fell for 71 runs after Matt Prior caught the Tim Bresnan bowl. This became the turning point in the game as Stuart Broad smelt blood in an attempt to win the game for the English. He bowled Australian captain and famous batsman Michael Clarke for a mere 21 runs much to the delight of the bowler and fellow three lions team. The score 174-4 at this stage.

The next batsman to fall were Steve Smith (he also fell to Broad) as well as Shane Watson out for lbw (leg before wicket) to the hands of Bresnan and Nathan Lyon the next name on Stuart Broad’s list of hits. This was a magnificent spell for Broad who ended the day with 6 successful wickets to his name.

The weather halted England from powering through to victory as light stopped bowlers such as Broad and Anderson continuing as the umpire had decided it was too dangerous to play fast bowlers in limited light, this however did not stop the game as the umpire decided it was safe for spin bowlers such as Joe Root and Graeme Swann to participate. Root endured an over of bowling with limited results as the Australian’s decided to defend however Swann stepped in with similar results. Finally, Broad returned to the helm and as if by magic the final wicket of the day fell as Anderson caught the short ball of Siddle from Broad’s bowl.

The crowd lifted in Chester-le-street as it was confirmed the English had won the Ashes. Leading 3-0 now overall in tests, England are looking to complete a successful tournament in winning a fourth at The Oval in a week’s time. The countrymen celebrated with joy as did the crowd within the arena. The English champions enjoyed a beer out on the terrace afterwards completing a good day’s work in the Ashes. The next test begins on the 21^st of August at the Oval.